Compensation for Surgery on the Wrong Discs Agreed in Medical Negligence Claim

Posted on: July 1st, 2015 by Editor

A former police officer, who was forced to retire due to medical negligence, has agreed to a settlement of compensation for surgery on the wrong discs.

Fifty-one year old Michael Dunn from Droylsden in Greater Manchester underwent surgery at the Salford Royal Hospital in 2011 to repair discs in his upper back that were causing him to suffer severe neck pain that extended down his right arm and into his hand.

After coming round from the operation, Michael complained to his consultant that he had no feeling in the arm. Michael was assured by the consultant that the lack of sensation was soon return and he was discharged from the hospital shortly after.

However, the lack of sensation in his arm continued and Michael was forced to give up his job as a traffic support officer with the Greater Manchester Police. Michael sought legal advice from a solicitor, who initiated an investigation into the treatment Michael had received.

The investigation revealed that not only had surgeons operated on the wrong discs in Michael´s back, but they had also damaged a nerve root which means that Michael is unlikely ever to recover the full use of his arm.

Michael made a claim for compensation for surgery on the wrong discs and the Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust acknowledged liability. A negotiated settlement of £259,000 was agreed, after which Michael said:

“[The medical negligence] has completely changed my life. I had planned to stay with Greater Manchester Police until I retire, but this has taken it away. I wish I had never had the surgery. I was led to believe it was a straightforward operation, so I wasn´t expecting any complications.”

Salford Royal Hospital´s Medical Director – Dr Peter Turkington – also made a statement to the press. In it he said: “Once again, we would like to offer our sincere apologies to Mr Dunn for the standard he received at Salford Royal. When an incident occurs, it is always Salford Royal´s practise to apologise, thoroughly investigate it and ensure that we openly share the findings of this investigation with the patient concerned.”